Riccardo Calafiori is set to undergo Arsenal medical ahead of £33m move from Bologna and will link-up with the Gunners in America for pre-season tour
- The Bologna defender will soon undergo a medical at Arsenal.
- Riccardo Calafiori expected to complete his £33million move to the Gunners
- The Italian defender will then travel to America to join Mikel Arteta’s team
Riccardo Calafiori is expected to undergo a medical at Arsenal as an agreement has been reached in principle for the Bologna defender’s move.
The Gunners want the 22-year-old to join the squad for their American pre-season tour.
Arsenal are in Los Angeles for Wednesday’s match against Bournemouth and play Manchester United on Saturday before heading to Philadelphia to play Liverpool on July 31.
The deal for the versatile Italian defender, who can play as a centre-back or left-back, is said to be worth around £42m.
Calafiori is the first addition to Arteta’s squad this summer, having been a key player for Bologna last season, the Serie A side that qualified for the Champions League for the first time in six decades.
Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori will reportedly undergo his medical at Arsenal
Calafiori was left out of Bologna’s squad for their upcoming pre-season training camp after shining with Italy at Euro 2024
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in reinforcements during the summer transfer window
Calafiori then shone at Euro 2024 in Italy, where he started in all three group matches.
His former club Basel are entitled to a sell-on clause of 40 to 50 percent.
This move could accelerate the departure of Jakub Kiwior, who is admired by Internazionale.
Calafiori joined Bologna from Basel last year for just £3.4million and the Swiss club will receive 50 per cent of Bologna’s profits once his move to Arsenal is completed.
Calafiori has had an extended summer break after Italy’s participation in the 2024 European Championship, where the former champion was knocked out in the round of 16 by Denmark.
He can play as a centre-back and left-back and has made five appearances for Italy, three of which were at the European Championships in Germany.
Arsenal’s only signing so far this summer has been David Raya, a permanent move from Brentford after spending last season on loan.
Calafiori’s versatility could be a key asset for Arteta, who likes his players to be able to play in a variety of positions.
